Fugitive Emissions Abatement: Fabrication, Components, and Field Advisory

Fugitive emissions are one of the biggest issues for Canada’s oil and gas sector. In 2020, the industry accounted for almost 36.4% of the country’s total methane emissions. And, what makes these emissions more threatening, is that although they are small and accidental, they’re difficult to locate which facilitates the excess accumulation of methane in the atmosphere. 

Tracking leak points and controlling fugitive emissions are at the forefront of Canada’s environmental protection goals. The fugitive emissions resulting from equipment leaks have been addressed using approaches such as equipment replacement or LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) implementation. Here are further changes that Canada is making on the legislative front for fugitive emissions abatement.

Regulatory Approach to Fugitive Emissions Abatement

Due to the pressurized nature of the equipment used in oil and gas projects, leaks may occur at any point along the upstream, midstream, or downstream part of the project. The emissions of Green Houses Gas (GHG), such as methane from these leaks, are fugitive emissions that can be potentially harmful to the environment. This is a big hindrance in the current context of global combat against climate change. The current Canadian framework is to achieve, by 2025, the reduction of GHG emissions by 40-45% below the emission level of 2012. Continuous revisions and changes in legislation have led to more focus on further reducing emission levels.

Here is the progression of Canada’s fugitive emission regulations. 

Following the path of federal regulations, Alberta regulations have laid out stringent measures for the new upstream oil and gas facilities as well as some downstream operations covering provisions for: 

• Pipeline installation 
• Pneumatic controllers
• Glycol dehydrators
• Venting sources

Additionally, further guidance has been laid out with AER manuals 015 (Estimating Methane Emissions) and 016 (How to Develop a Fugitive Emissions Management Program) to quantify and report the emissions and develop a comprehensive fugitive emissions abatement plan.

Solutions for Fugitive Emission Abatement

In projects like Alberta’s oil sands recovery, components such as mechanical seals, valves, and NPT fittings are usually the cause of fugitive emissions. This is mostly due to the leakage caused by the excess use of a component, unfavorable process conditions, or constant vibrations of the rotating equipment during the SAGD process. To ensure fugitive emissions abatement, the right approach is to focus on the selection of the right components, correct fabrication, and on-site monitoring.

• Most leaks start with low-quality or incorrectly installed valves. Low-emission valves such as the bellow, diaphragm, or low-bleed valves are the ideal options. Wherever possible, the process can also opt for electric pneumatic devices. 
• The mechanical seal support system should be installed following the API plan. The ideal plan keeps the instruments centralized, replaces leak-prone piping with tubing, and limits the number of connections. 
• Through constant on-site monitoring, operators can monitor older seals and valves for potential leakage. 

If reducing leakage is the biggest concern in your facility, you can work with local fluid experts who can assist you with selecting the right valves to perform an extensive audit of your facility and fluid system.

Edmonton Valve & Fitting Can Help You Reduce Fugitive Emissions At Your Facility

Fugitive emissions are not only dangerous for the environment but also for your facility where leakage creates a risky environment for operators. It also tempers with the process conditions such as the pressure and temperature requirements, affecting the recovery process and ultimately the projected revenue. As your local fluid system expert, Edmonton Valve & Fitting can help you ensure compliance with your local and federal fugitive emission regulations. 

We offer Field Advisory Services where our fluid system experts can perform an on-site evaluation of your fluid system for leak detection. Our experts can evaluate your facility to make recommendations on potential solutions to reduce fugitive emissions as well as provide LDAR services whenever required. 

Furthermore, we also provide ideal solutions such as low-E valves and leak detectors to help you install a robust fluid system. With ideal components and facility evaluation, fugitive emissions abatement at your oil and gas facility is possible. A quick fix at your facility is a step towards a cleaner future.